Page 48 of Curse of Ancients

Anthony rattled off his address, then looked at one of the cameras. “See if Connor is available, then call Jon and have him reverse course for my house. It’s a little farther than Carleigh’s, but I do not want Juni involved. If you haven’t already, call Tabby.”

Carleigh returned her weapon to her bracelet. When she reached for the sword her dad held, he shook his head. “Not yet. I will give it back once I know we are all safe.”

Turning to Bayu, Carleigh held out a hand. When he took it, she pulled him to her and wrapped her arms around his waist, laying her head on his chest. As soon as possible, she would ask one of the fae to remove the glamour. It was odd seeing someone else’s face on her mate. When Rhoan raised his hands to open the portal, Carleigh noticed the same mark on his inner arm that Bayu had. “Bayu—”

“There are things we need to discuss.” Bayu kissed her hair, then stepped back so they could follow the others through the vortex. As soon as they were all through, it snapped closed behind them. Anthony carried Major into the house with Elle and Erik on his heels. Julian handed the sword to Carleigh, and she returned it to her arm, then he followed the others inside. Silas walked around the side of the house, his head on a swivel.

“Should we go with them?” Bayu asked.

“No. There’s nothing we can do for Major other than get in the way.” Carleigh turned to Thran. “Can you please undo the glamour?”

Thran waved a hand in front of Bayu, and he was once again her stunning mate. “That’s better, thank you. Why did Nekoma go alone to get Gemi? Shouldn’t someone have gone as backup?”

Rhoan ran a hand through his hair. “I offered to send Thran, but Nekoma wouldn’t hear of it since Thran is my guardian.”

Thran chuckled. “The prince not so subtly reminded Nekoma that he is a dragon. Fangs may have been involved to prove his point. I thought he was going to crap his pants. Instead of hanging around to argue, Nekoma disappeared through a portal. Besides, he’s the one who can call on the shadows, so he shouldn’t have any trouble.”

“Does he know we’re all gathering here instead of my house? If not, I need to call Harlow or Juniper and tell them to expect company.”

“He does not since it was decided on after we saw the Gryphon in such bad shape.”

“Tabby is going to lose her mind,” Carleigh muttered. She knew if that had been Bayu, she would be distressed. She sent off a text to Harlow regarding Nekoma and Gemi, then asked, “While we wait on the twins to arrive, would you like to tell me how it is that you and the prince were here to help?”

“About that—” Bayu started, but Rhoan interrupted.

“Apologies, Bayu, but if you would allow me to explain?” Bayu gestured for him to proceed. “It has recently come to my attention that I am also a Nuhuala. I have the same blessed mark that Bayu has, only it was barely visible until about four years ago. I noticed it getting more pronounced right after the battle with the dark fae. I didn’t think more on it until Brynna recognized the same mark on Bayu when he went to Sebastian Stone’s office. She mentioned the likeness to Cassiopa who then came to Evyndral to inquire as to its meaning. I always assumed it was just another mark of being a royal. When I asked my parents, my father became irate, and my mother cried. They wouldn’t tell me the meaning, so I called on the only being I could trust – my great-grandfather.

“King Mórdrake admitted that he has been the dragon Nuhuala for millennia, but instead of passing the mark to his son, he held onto it until an heir was born who he felt was worthy of the task. Since he gave the mark to me, he also bypassed my father. When I asked him why me, he was vague in his answer other than saying that things are changing.”

“What things?” Carleigh asked.

“Queen Zarina opening the portal to Earth caused a rift between the realms. When she sent Cassiopa and Yaricelan through to keep them safe, it sent out a beacon of sorts, and the Black Lotus felt it. They have been searching everywhere these last few years for whatever was strong enough to cause such a magical disturbance.”

“But that happened in Norway. How were they able to locate Bayu’s father on Anjailang Island?”

Rhoan gazed off into the distance. “Because there is a traitor among the Nuhualas.”

Chapter 17

“A traitor? How is that possible?” Bayu held his katana in one hand and the sheath in the other. He wouldn’t stow it until he had a chance to clean it properly. When Thran noticed his predicament, the fae waved his hand over the blade, cleaning it with magic. Bayu inclined his head in appreciation, then slid the sword home in its sheath.

Rhoan gestured to the patio furniture. “Let’s sit, shall we?” When the four of them were seated, he continued, “As King Mórdrake explained, the Nuhuala are all connected. We can find each other through one of our markings, even if we’re on a different realm.” He pointed to one on his arm, although Bayu couldn’t see it. “It was how I knew where to portal when searching for you. Once the curse is removed, you will be able to read the ancient documents and then you will know all the same information I do.”

“Then we can locate this traitor.”

“We can’t though. King Mórdrake believes the Black Lotus are shielding them somehow.”

“If that’s the case, it’s possible they aren’t a traitor but a pawn.” Bayu studied the dragon prince. “Why were you searching for me? Not that I am ungrateful. We would not have defeated the Black Lotus without your assistance today.”

“King Mórdrake reached out. He knew you were in trouble. It seems that when your father was slain and you were cursed, Baekyo traversed the realms and spoke with Mórdrake.”

Bayu leaned forward, placing the katana on the ground beside his chair. “If you can speak to King Mórdrake, does that mean I will be able to speak to Baekyo?”

“I’m not sure. I have always been able to reach my great-grandfather since we are dragons and can mind-speak. You should find out once the curse is lifted.” Rhoan leaned back in his chair, tapping the arm with his fingertips. “It’s all confusing. I’ve only recently read through all the ancient scrolls, and I’m still not sure exactly what I’m supposed to do. Mórdrake said I would understand when the need arose.”

“But he had to alert you to the fact that I needed help?”

“Yes. I believe it is because he is alive and still has the Nuhuala markings. Like I said, I don’t understand it all. Maybe once you read your journals, we can compare notes? We will need to work together against the traitor.”